LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The proposed R360 rugby competition has been officially postponed until 2028, with organisers confirming the delay in a statement to player agents and media.
This announcement concludes months of speculation regarding the rebel rugby initiative, which intended to launch in 2026 with notable players and global broadcasting plans to compete against existing leagues.
In their statement, R360 officials remarked that the board made a "strategic decision" to aim for a 2028 launch at full scale instead of trying out shortened seasons in 2026 and 2027.
"The rationale is straightforward - launching at full scale in 2028 creates the optimal environment across product, market, commercial and operational factors," the statement read.
The decision is designed to align more effectively with the global rugby calendar, ensuring a strong market entry following the 2027 Men's Rugby World Cup and Women's British and Irish Lions Tour.
Organisers also announced the termination of all conditional player contracts previously issued, effectively halting negotiations with several high-profile athletes who were approached to switch codes.
This postponement comes as reports indicated that R360 had difficulty securing adequate financial support for its ambitious global showcase league, which aimed to position itself between international and club rugby. The ARL Commission, under the leadership of Peter V'landys, had openly criticized the project, warning players that the competition lacked credible financial guarantees.